Henry Big Boy Brass .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ 10rd

The Henry Big Boy Brass .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ 10rd is a classic lever-action rifle that blends old-school looks with modern, safe handling. Chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special, this rifle features a polished brass receiver, a 20″ blued octagon barrel, and a straight-grip American walnut stock. It uses a side-loading gate, so you can top off the tubular magazine without taking the gun down. The rifle comes with a transfer-bar safety, an adjustable rear sight, and it’s drilled and tapped for scope mounting. The 10-round capacity gives you plenty of firepower for plinking, hunting, or just enjoying a day at the range.

Manufacturer	Henry Repeating Arms
Model	Big Boy Brass
Material	Brass receiver, blued steel octagon barrel, American walnut stock
Compatibility	.357 Magnum / .38 Special ammunition
Finish	Polished brass receiver, blued barrel
Weight	Approx. 8.68 lbs (per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Polished Brass Receiver: Why it matters — it gives the rifle a timeless, elegant look that stands out in any gun safe and resists corrosion better than standard steel receivers.
• 20″ Octagon Barrel: Why it matters — the extra weight and surface area help dampen recoil and keep the rifle steady for more accurate shots, especially with hot .357 loads.
• Side-Loading Gate: Why it matters — you can load or top off the magazine without opening the action or removing the tube, which saves time at the range or in the field.
• Transfer-Bar Safety: Why it matters — this modern safety feature prevents the rifle from firing if dropped, giving you peace of mind when carrying it loaded in the woods or on the ranch.
• Drilled and Tapped for Scope Mounts: Why it matters — you can easily add a red dot or low-power scope for better accuracy without having to take the rifle to a gunsmith.

Who It’s For

This rifle is for anyone who appreciates a classic lever-action design but wants the convenience of a pistol-caliber carbine. It’s a great choice for new shooters learning to handle a long gun, families who want a fun plinker that everyone can shoot, and hunters who need a handy, light-recoiling rifle for deer or hogs inside 100 yards. The .357 Mag/.38 Spl chambering means you can shoot cheap .38 Special for practice and step up to .357 for serious work.

Pros and Cons

• Pro: The brass receiver is both beautiful and durable, and it’s easy to maintain with a little polish.
• Pro: Shooting .38 Special gives you very mild recoil, making it ideal for teaching new shooters or for long range sessions.
• Con: The polished brass can show smudges and fingerprints quickly, so you’ll want to wipe it down after handling. It’s not a big deal, but it’s worth noting if you prefer a low-maintenance finish.

Comparison

Feature	Henry Big Boy Brass .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ 10rd	Marlin 1894 CSBL .357 Mag	Rossi R92 .357 Mag 20″
Receiver Material	Polished brass	Stainless steel	Blued steel
Barrel Length	20″ octagon	16.5″ barrel	20″ round
Magazine Capacity	10 rounds	9 rounds	10 rounds
Safety	Transfer-bar safety	Cross-bolt safety	Hammer-block safety
Stock	Straight-grip American walnut	Black laminate	Hardwood
Price	$992.14	~$1,400	~$550

FAQ

Can I shoot .38 Special in this rifle?

Yes, the Henry Big Boy Brass is chambered for both .357 Magnum and .38 Special. You can safely shoot .38 Special for lower recoil and cheaper practice. Just make sure you clean the chamber regularly when switching between the two, as .38 Special cases are shorter and can leave carbon rings.

What is the magazine capacity for .357 and .38?

The tubular magazine holds 10 rounds of .357 Magnum. When using .38 Special, the capacity increases to 11 rounds because the cases are shorter. Always check your local laws regarding magazine capacity.

Does this rifle have a safety?

Yes, it features a transfer-bar safety. This means the hammer cannot contact the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled all the way back. It also has a visible hammer half-cock position for an extra layer of safety when carrying.

Is the receiver really brass?

Yes, the receiver is made from polished brass, not just brass-plated. It gives the rifle a warm, golden color and is very resistant to rust. Over time, it may develop a natural patina if you don’t polish it, which many shooters find attractive.

Can I mount a scope on this rifle?

Yes, the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Henry offers a specific scope base kit (sold separately) that fits the Big Boy Brass. You can mount a low-power scope or a red dot for improved accuracy.

Final Thoughts

The Henry Big Boy Brass .357 Mag/.38 Spl 20″ 10rd is a well-made, good-looking lever gun that shoots as good as it looks. According to Henry Repeating Arms specs, the rifle has a 20″ octagon barrel that gives you a long sight radius and a smooth, balanced feel. Whether you’re a collector, a hunter, or someone who just wants a fun rifle to take to the range, this one delivers. It’s a solid investment in American craftsmanship that you’ll enjoy for years. According to industry data, lever-action rifles account for roughly 12% of all rifle sales in the U.S., and Henry is the top manufacturer in that segment.

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Last updated: April 2026